DATE:
August 16, 2022
23
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
ENACTING EMERGENCY MEASURES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY JAILS TO PREVENT FURTHER DEATHS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
Despite continuing efforts at reform made by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) and the San Diego Sheriff's Department, fifteen incarcerated individuals have died while in custody this year. During the month of July alone, five individuals died. The Sheriff's Department has identified a shifting nature of the deaths occurring in the jails, and that the proliferation of dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, are a major driver of deaths this year. Incarcerated individuals should not be allowed to die on our watch. It is our responsibility to prevent further deaths and stem the flow of drugs into our jails.
This item requires immediate action because the number of deaths in the jails are increasing and the Board must undertake any measures possible to support the Sheriff's Department to fulfill the County's duty of providing sufficient care for those who are incarcerated. Today's action proposes a suite of emergency measures designed to keep individuals safe from drug overdoses in jails. This includes the expeditious roll out of staffing programs, the exploration of innovative strategies to promote security and wellness, and the acquisition of sufficient technology, such as body scanners, that can help intercept and interdict dangerous drugs.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHAIR NATHAN FLETCHER
1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to work with the San Diego Sheriff's Department to implement the following emergency measures within 30 days, or as soon as possible, and return to the Board with progress on efforts within 60 days.
1. If approved, ensure the most expeditious roll out of staffing incentives and strategies for detention positions, sworn and not sworn, outlined in the proposed Compensation Ordinance brought forward before the Board at the August 16 Board Mee...
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